No tuition when hosting foreign students

Griffith College, one of Ireland’s leading private third-level colleges, will renounce the standard fee of €5,000 per year for Irish students who host an international student. The scholarship will also be available if the student in question arranges for a relative to provide “suitable living accommodation”.

Students from outside the European Union are a key source of income for the college, as they pay much higher fees of at least €7,000 per year. The new scheme is being promoted in the college’s main overseas markets, including China, France, Germany, Russia and Brazil.

“ Unique living experience”

The plan should help to attract more foreign students while it offering free fees for Irish students. Diarmuid Hegarty, president of Griffith College said: “We are conscious that these are difficult economic times for families. The new scheme will provide more opportunities for Irish students to attend the college while offering international students a unique living experience during their time in Ireland.” 

There is no initial limit on the number of places available under this new scheme. It depends whether each Irish student offering accommodation can be “matched” with a foreign student. The students’ tuition fees will be offset for each year room and board are provided.